Top 10 Reasons To Visit Walt Disney World RIGHT NOW, 2017 Holiday Edition

While a Walt Disney World vacation is special at any time of the year, there is extra magic during the holidays. The lights and decorations could get even Scrooge in the right mood for Christmas. Here are the top ten reasons why you need to head to Walt Disney World as soon as possible. The things listed here are currently underway, unless otherwise noted.

10) Weather

What is the weather currently like in your neck of the woods? In Central Florida, the rainy season is over. While Disney can’t guarantee that the weather will be perfect throughout the holiday season, the average high temperatures in November and December are in the 70s, while the average lows are in the 50s. Still bring your bathing suits, because the Walt Disney World Resort pools are heated. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park is as well. If you like snow for the holidays, you’ll still find it. The snow at Walt Disney World falls on cue and is made out of soap.

9) Holiday Treats and Merchandise

The holidays bring extra treats to many of the Walt Disney World restaurants. There are special holiday themed snacks as well. If it’s a souvenir that you want, you’ll find holiday T-shirts, mouse ears, ornaments, and much more. You might also find a one of a kind gift for someone back home.

8) New Year’s Eve

What better place to ring in 2018 than Walt Disney World? There are special fireworks at three of the four theme parks; Disney’s Animal Kingdom doesn’t have fireworks because of the animals. The parks will be packed, so it’s a good thing that there are other places to celebrate. Three different celebrations are being held at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and some other resort restaurants are planning celebrations of their own. If you want to bring in the New Year at Walt Disney World you may not have to leave right now, but you should start making your plans immediately. You don’t want to miss out.

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7) Resorts

If you love decorations, you need to stop by every Deluxe Resort at Walt Disney World. The lobbies are incredible! The gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is back, but don’t stop there. Each deluxe resort is different, and if you skip one you’ll miss out. The decorations for the resorts usually are completed by Thanksgiving, so if you plan your trip for after that you will be set.

6) Cirque du Soleil La Nouba

This is the only sad item on this list. Cirque du Soleil La Nouba will be ending its 19 year run at Disney Springs on December 31. The last show will be held at 9:00pm. While tickets will be hard to find for the final few shows they are available now, so book a flight for tomorrow and head to Florida to see this marvel one last time. There is no word yet on what, if anything, will replace Cirque du Soleil La Nouba.

5) Disney Springs

If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas present, you will want to check out Disney Springs. There are more stores than ever. Disney Springs is also providing some holiday cheer of its own. Kids can meet Santa daily through December 24. Stitch gets in on the fun this year with Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt. It’s a scavenger hunt with a prize at the end. The popular Christmas Tree Trail has returned as well. This year it has expanded to 25 themed trees. You can take your time and enjoy each one. Both Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt and the Christmas Tree Trail run through January 7, 2018.

4) Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!

While many people think that Disney’s Hollywood Studios is currently a half day park, Disney is fighting back this holiday season. Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! has returned for its sophomore year, and it’s better than before. The fireworks and more show still features the stars of ABC’s Prep & Landing, and they’re on a search for Santa. If you’re worried that you won’t get a good spot for Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, make a reservation for the Holiday Dessert Party. You’ll enjoy holiday inspired treats, beverages, and take part in a special character greeting. You’ll then watch the spectacular from a reserved viewing area. Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! runs through December 31.

3) Sunset Seasons Greetings

New for the 2017 Christmas season at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is Sunset Seasons Greetings. For the season the Hollywood Tower Hotel isn’t quite as intimidating at night, as it comes alive with holiday cheer. You’ll see Toy Story characters, the Swedish Chef, Olaf, and of course Mickey and Minnie in different scenes. All of Sunset Boulevard transforms, and you might even see some “snow”. It runs through December 31. Sunset Seasons Greetings doesn’t totally fill the hole left by the loss of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, but it helps to ease the pain a little bit.

2) Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

A holiday classic has returned to the Magic Kingdom. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party features characters decked out in their holiday attire, rare characters that you won’t normally find in the park, A Frozen Holiday Wish, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, and more. Cookies, hot chocolate, and other goodies are included in the price. This is a separate ticketed event, and the number of tickets sold is limited, so there will be shorter wait times for the popular rides. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party takes place on select nights through December 22.

1) Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

Holidays Around the World has become Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. You’ll still find storytellers in the 11 World Showcase countries. The live show JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season has returned as well. Holiday kitchens offer you a chance to purchase international treats. The kids will love Chip & Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree. There is a special holiday ending to IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. The highlight of Epcot International Festival of the Holidays continues to be the Candlelight Processional. A celebrity narrator tells the Biblical story of the birth of Jesus, accompanied by a mass choir and a 50 piece orchestra. Narrators for 2017 include Whoopi Goldberg, Pat Sajak, Kurt Russell, Warwick Davis, Neil Patrick Harris, and Jaci Velasquez. It’s not to be missed. Epcot International Festival of the Holidays runs daily November 19 through December 30, but the Candlelight Processional does not begin until November 24.

About PaulaK

I grew up in Western Massachusetts. When I was nine my family went to Disneyland and I was hooked. I grew up, attended New England College in Henniker, NH and eventually moved to Virginia. I worked as a disc jockey, married and became a full time mom when our daughter was born. Fast forward several years. In 2010 we moved to Central Florida and my Disney obsession grew. I now work as a freelance writer and spend my spare time in the parks. Under the name Paula Brown I penned the novels Dream Wanderers and The Coffee Cruiser. I also am a co-author of Dining at Walt Disney World: The Definitive Guide. I'm obsessed with Star Wars, so this is a good time to live in Central Florida. I've been a vegetarian for well over a decade, a choice that my daughter eventually made as well. While my husband still hasn't joined us fully he has given up most meats except for seafood. I was relieved to find that vegetarian dining is not difficult at Walt Disney World.

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